GO auction helps law students pursue public interest careers

GO auction helps law students pursue public interest careersOctober 31, 2006Jaclyn D. Grossojgrosso@law.syr.edu

Social justice, children’s rights, environmental protection, advocacy for low-income people, civil liberties — these are just some of the community issues that Syracuse University law students can help address with funds raised by their annual Public Interest Grant Opportunity (GO) Program Auction. This year’s auction will be on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club and includes both a silent and live auction, with items up for bid such as Stickley furniture, vacations, leisure activities and jewelry.

“The GO Program affords students the opportunity to gain invaluable educational experiences, while making a much-needed contribution to the legal profession’s obligation to promote justice,” says Alexis Martinez, associate director of student programs at the College of Law.

Now in its 14th year, the GO program continues to raise money to encourage law students to pursue careers in public interest law. Last year, GO raised more than $40,000 to fund students who volunteered in the public interest sector during the summer. This translated into about 5,000 hours of work dedicated to helping those who cannot afford legal assistance. GO members worked in legal service organizations, private nonprofit legal organizations and government agencies throughout the country. In addition, GO members completed more than 350 hours of community service throughout the greater Syracuse area last year.

Tickets to the event are $5 for SU students, faculty and staff, and $10 for the general public. For more information, to donate items, or attend the event, call (315) 443-1146, e-mail amarti17@law.syr.edu, or visit the GO website at http://www.law.syr.edu/students/GOProgram/goprogramwelcome.asp.